I actually, really like this! I've got massive beef against the cubed, cumbersome and tank-like SUV's that are coming out - but small city cars have my heart. This is lovely this little thing.
Thank you for one of the most interesting reviews I have seen this year. I love the idea of a single spec which has all the options you are going to get. Presumably that helps keep it at the £16k price. I do not want one, but there is no doubt it could cover most of the journeys I take; and by the way I live in rural Worcestershire and not a city, so not just a city car (lazy journalese like “toddler” or “devastated”). If I want to do a long journey I can always hire something just for the occasion or the holiday or perhaps take somebody’s ICE. Good for Leapmotor and Stellantis.
@@carkawalakhatulistiwa Interesting, thank you. Presumably the UK and EU prices reflect tariffs coming in plus perhaps a bit of opportunistic pricing. This suggests Stellantis can cut prices further and still make money if competition here gets hotter.
I wonder why Stellantis didn't badge engineer this. They have a ton of brands and it may have allowed them to add an extra couple of quid to the price. New Peugeot iOn maybe so as not to steal e-C3 or Grande Panda sales? Overall seems like a decent proposition for your average food delivery driver. Nice equipment levels too.
Exactly, this would have made a perfect new Panda, leaving the bigger new car more upmarket as a new Punto. I‘m really glad it‘s being built in Europe, at least.
excellent review! Good copy (no clichées like "price point" instead of "price level"), relaxed presentation, comprehensive product analysis, fair results.
They have accidentally called it a "toe". T03... Looked like a TOE at a glance. Also could with black paint, but other than that, yea super happy to see more cheap EVs... Note to VW, look 4 switches for the windows 🤭
To reinforce your point, I bought a Fiat 500e to replace my Twingo GT as both cars look very similar and have almost identical dimensions, which means they easily fit into a smallish garage.
@@briangriffiths114 we had a Twingo (which we loved) and replaced it with a CorsaE (wanted the rear doors for the kids). I did try to push for a 500 Abarth but the wife wasn’t sold on the pricing.
Almost right, 51/100 of the brand is owned by Stellantis (also includes Fiat 500), the T03 and C10 SUV will be sold in 500 Stellantis dealerships in Europe.
It's not about what Tesla can afford, they just remove unnecessary parts that are easily replaced by small buttons. Many owners find the adjustment easy, despite complaints from those who have never driven the vehicles. Have you driven a new Tesla without stalks?
@jamespaul2587 they regularly "innovate" to make the user experience worse and say to their customers "just get used to it". Doesn't stop it being worse though.
@@driftinsider3392 280-300km in the daily use (85% charge, in Spring or Fall), different people have different results. on the high way, it will worse than the daily commute.
@@driftinsider3392the car is reading 6 miles per kWh on the dash in summer dry weather, so that equals over 200 miles! Assuming the real efficiency is lower, say 4 miles/kWh, that will still give a good 150 mile range without running the battery down to zero. Really impressive..
I love the concept of small cars. Super good for city driving, snippy, maneuverable, decent range, cute design, for 3 grand cheaper that would be a fantastic citycar. I might actually buy this one or similar. That should be super fun to drive around the town.
Mitsubishi (Peugeot and Citroen) were foolish to have ditched the iMiEV(iOn, CZero) so quickly. A modern EV 2CV is sorely needed. The Ami had 3 years to prove itself to be an overpriced plastic tub on rusty steel square tubing.
I think they believe the e-C3 will fit into that niche. What I don't get is why they didn't just stick a Peugeot or Opel/Vauxhall badge on this. It's a no brainer marketing wise.
@@Whatshisname346I'm sorry, while I welcomed the eC3 as a trend towards affordable EVs, it's still a Crossover that's designed and promoted as such to get consumers of the Indian/South Asian, South American and other global markets into SUVs with the same affluent-baiting tactics they used in western markets, to promote Citroën as a mid-luxiry brand and frankly that flies in the face of Citroën's recent moves again the SUV with the Oli and Ami. An original C3, C2, C1 and CZero would be decent to have. But of course pitted against minor profit margins being squeezed by the currency inflation created by the most profitable and well sold "cars" in recent years.
@@TheAllMightyGodofCodpeople who wanted EVs for good value today and those who wanted EVs 14 years ago but they were way too expensive to buy brand new, but after much leases ending many iMiEVs/CZeros are a hot commodity second hand not least because they're a joy to drive and almost free motoring, but their battery systems are better engineered and robust than Nissan's.
It looks like a Fiat 500 and SmartCar love child to me, which makes sense considering both have ties to Stellantis. All the Chinese do is copy others. Having them partner with Stellantis just made the IP theft more streamlined.
Thanks for the new info. I think it is good to have more choice in small EV's. I think, it would be more interesting, to get more EV's in the 200-250 mls range, and faster 100kW charging. This Leapmotor EV will be more in the Dacia range. For us, we would happily give up the wiper for a sunroof. We always had a cabrio, or at least a sunroof.
"...more EVs in the 200-250 mls range..." You're in luck then - Citroen e-C3... Renault 5... Renault 4... Tesla Model 2 (if it EVER sees light-of-day...!)
Looking at the screen shot at 10:55 it says 8.9 kwh for 100km which equates 6.7 miles per Kwh, which is still excellent but a bit more realistic. Yes it does seem to have a lot of smart four four about the the cut of it's jib. Rebadge it as a Fiat and it will sell well, as to name call it the EO (Far East in Italian is Estremo Oriente) . I agree with other commenters that the residuals will be dire, but you know the answer. Hang on to it for 10 years as it is automotive white goods; how long since you changed your washing machine ?
Lets hope the Stellantis get the pcp offers right. I got a £31k BYD Dolphin with all the bells and whistles, and an extra 100 miles range, for £289 deposit, £289 a month. The T03 is almost half the price, but i wouldnt be surprised if the pcp rates were the same higher. I just looked at a base Kia Picanto for comparison. £287 a month with £289 deposit on the same 8000 miles a year pcp... and that lists at 17k. Sticker price is great, but the finance deals need to be amazing too to get sales....
Imagine The BYD seagull Only sold for €10,000 in china. The leapmotor T.03 is only sold for €8.000 in China. The Geely panda mini EV only sold for €5.000 in China.
Both this video, and the electrifying website review state 10 miles to the kwh, when the video clearly shows this is getting 10.4khw/100km, which is actually about 6m/kwh. He says he checked it twice, which makes this an even worse mistake.
Finally an affordable Chinese EV. We can sing its praises for this relatively new class of car as abysmal as that is. A class of vehicle that has developed in China for over a decade now. Now we have to scrutinise, not the bare bones build, but the fact that Stellantis is importing a Chinese EV instead of developing one together. Extra brownie points for being a "Dumb" analogue EV and not one that harvests all of our data. An entry level EV mechanically inspired by the Citroën 2CV suspension is the bare minimum of good expectations.
Utter Shame that Fiat couldn't develop of Panda on to the new 500e platform. The fact that the Fiat 500e is built in Turin, gutted full with luxuries, built along side Maseratis, pretend that there's a parts supply construction when really they're creating false scarcity and then sell them at such an extortionate cost should really spell out the reality for people that EVs are not the problem. But no, they lie that nobody wants them, shoot themselves in the foot, spin on it and say they're developing a 12-24v "MEH" mild hybrid fit for the 1980s 🤢🤮
It just doesn't look like it was designed for Europe, which will hamper sales. Even at that price I think most people would gravitate to the Dacia Spring. The brand name isn't inspiring and neither is the model. The cheaper parts are glaringly obvious whereas the Spring is honest and durable. Really probably should have given Stellantis the authority to do the branding and marketing.
"The Leapmotor Ninja" 😃 I wonder if this will be the real new price in the UK, especially after a year. Used ones will probably be £10K after a year and possibly down to £5K after 3 years. With an unknown brand it's always hard to tell, but thumbs up for bringing more choice to the UK.
Nice EV. In my view the Inster thus far has the best overall value to date in the compact segment. I think the top spec for over 25000 euro is far too expensive, and I think.will cime to bite hyindai. I think if Hyundai could manage 20000 euros max fullynloaded for the top spec model they've got a winner in the compact segment. I think it is strange we have to choose compacts for inner city driving only. I still o2n a Toyota Aygo from 2005 and it's more than a city car. I've traveled to many places in Europe with it and it's even been on the steepest road in Switserland, and is still doing very well at 300000+ K odometer. I think the T03 is still overpriced amd is going to have a tough time competing with the basic model of the Inster. I think T03 for 10000 euro is reasonable. For 15000 I expect more practicality with a moving and callapsable rear bench, like the Inster. Secondly I expect from the same price of 15000 euros that it also supports 22 Kwh AC charging and 11 Kwh basic charging, and perhaps a few more compforts such as AC standard heated steering wheel and seats and good lane assist and adaptive I cruise control as standard. I think these shouod be standard on every EV by default. It's I interesting to hear that this is Stellantis' answer to an even more affordable EV. A sure desperate sign. I think the T03 could do better than Stellantis' current offering of EVs in th3 compact segment. Would have been nice if Stellantis put some quality flair into the T03. Then I could understand Stellantis' investment. I'm on the fence on the value of the T03.
From a quick Google, the Inster will likely start at E25,000 in the EU and £22,000 in the UK. This TO3 is therefore WAY cheaper... so the £6,000 difference is well worth putting up with no split rear bench...!
@@jonathantaylor1998 exactly, it is full of people here talking about prices who have clearly no idea about how much car prices have increased. It is one of the cheapest cars in the UK, the Picanto is more expensive in most trims. Eventually there may be cheaper EVs, but the leapmotor is a massive price improvement.
It's got Fiat 500/Panda vibes and essence but in EV form, maybe even better than the actual Fiat 500/Panda that only carries the shell of their previous original.
I like this. Slightly ungainly but overall cute looks. For the price it drives very well, has fantastic spec and seems highly efficient. 10 mi/kWh? That would give it comfortably over 300 miles range in mixed driving…For £16k? Will await a proper UK test and a PROPER efficiency calculation. Chinese manufacturers are starting to get a bit of a reputation for over zealous efficiency claims. Rear wiper would make it complete!
Exactly that, I just spend a few minutes converting the figures showing on the screen and also couldn't find the 10miles/kWh. Not that 6 is bad, it absolutely isn't, but it's a way off 10
It’s okay, but I’d wait until next year when we see the MG2. Even then, would you buy one of these new compared to a one year old e208, Corsa E or even a nearly new MG4 standard?
No one needs one, the original mini never had one and we managed ok. We like the toys because it makes us feel like we did well, when a car like this will do most of what we need. I’d have to drive one, but it would do most of what I need a car for. Just rent a Tesla for the long trips once or twice a year.
Interestingly this has been out in China since at least 2020 (2019?) and when you look at those reviews the charge port cover had a top hinge and seemed far less flimsy. But they have improved the battery as it now has a similar one from CATL that Mercedes uses and capacity went from 36.5 to 37.3. It is of course water cooled.
Well done for your optimism Tom. Unfortunately I’m not really convinced by a car with a 3 year warranty from what is an unknown manufacturer. If it were £8k then the price point might be more tempting to some, but anymore than that and people will be always buying better, buying used.
At least we are now at the point where you can potentially get a new electric runaraound for £15k and have to make a choice. I would like to see these base prices get even lower with a trade off of a bit less tech (but a rear wiper!).
Are these anti-dozing cameras purely built in because of NCAP regulations? Because the fact that driver personal data from newer cars is constantly being monetised is a serious concern and any EV that's as close to analogue as possible (like the eUP, Spring or CZero/iMiEV/iOn) should prove desireable in these uneasy times.
As of July 7th, 2024, all new cars sold in the European Union (EU) are required to be equipped with the following Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA): This system alerts the driver to speed limits using signage and digital maps, and can even limit the vehicle's speed to comply with the current limit. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): LKA helps keep the vehicle in its lane by adjusting steering and brakes if the vehicle drifts without signaling. Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDR-AW): This system monitors driver behavior and alerts the driver if they are showing signs of fatigue or distraction. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB detects obstacles in the vehicle's path and activates braking to prevent or mitigate collisions. Reversing Detection with Camera or Sensors: This system helps the driver avoid collisions when reversing.
What would happen if you put some gaffa tape over the camera? Constant warning light on dash? Would the insurance be valid? I've wondered about that in my current car with auto brakes, if I turn it off would they try and use that as a negative to avoid paying out.
They might also be able to stretch to CarPlay and Android Auto which I think are absolute essentials especially bearing in mind I guess this is an entry level car for young drivers.
T03...TOE...the Toe! As cute and small as a big TOE. What does the Toe tow? Zero. Or maybe 3kg. The ninja blob reminds me of Big Hero 6 from the animated kids movie of the same name. That must me Toey, the Toe's mascot.
Yes ‘Leap Frog’ would be appropriate! It certainly looks a bit like one! Not a ‘giant leap’ in any sense but I think there will be a demographic that gets it. It’s also sure to be a super cheap runaround both to purchase and to run in just a few years opening up EV mobility as an option for those with very shallow pockets. Also a foot in the door for cheap Chinese EVs and another nail in the coffin for legacy auto!
Brave effort but presumably its purpose is to fill the gap vacated by the Fiat 500 as the next ICE generation (based on the 500e) moves upmarket in cost. If I was in the market for this kind of car I would wait for the European produced model which may have some updates - rear wiper, CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parcel shelf - to get the spec right. Removing the sunroof would no doubt save a few €. I can see this appealing to first time drivers - although some more adventurous/brighter colours and some graphics to disguise its parentage might help - and even some elderly drivers who don’t venture far from home and whose little bungalow garages were designed in the era of the Austin A35.
It feels odd watching a British man review a utilitarian Chinese car that had things gone differently, should be a BMC. It'd be interesting to see the LCA climate emissions figures, CO2e. France was rightfully annoyed & suspicious about the higher production emissions of Chinese cars, but any car company can be guilty of not working hard to keep impact low.
Why do cheap cars always look CRAP! Why hasn't it been styled with a great looking front (eg slit eye lights to make it look modern instead of goggle eyes). Side view is also pretty awful! The stylists will have to work far harder to give the car Curb Appeal. Instead, we're offered a Noddy & Bigears toy town car.
37,3 kW x 80% (nominalne)ładowanie = 29,84 kW mocy użytkowej. Jeździmy do 20% pojemności baterii (zalecane), czyli do 7,46 kW, więc pojemność użytkowa na codzień = 22,38 kW realnie do dyspozycji. Czyli 22,38 kW/15 kW/100 km =150 km jazdy i ładowanie, czyli codziennie. Cena to nie wszystko.
Looks kind of awful on the outside but really nice on the inside with good technology and safety systems. I know that Leapmotor's larger SUV is coming to Australia I wonder if they will bring this as well
"£16k is too much for a car of this size."...? On Autotrader, right now, £16k gets you discounted versions of the following brand new models: Dacia Spring (pre-facelift) Kia Picanto Hyundai i10 Dacia Sandero New car prices have absolutely sky-rocketed over recent years... I still remember when you get a VW Passat for £9,995...!!
I can't help but feel they have missed a trick here - do we really need all those monitoring safety systems in a car that's realistically destined for shorter/slower journeys. Surely, take another three grand of the price and ditch the extra safety stuff - now that would be a heck of a USP.
I saw 8.9kWh/100km, 10.6 and 10.4. Was that that last 50ks, trip and total average consumption? That 8.9 is 7 miles/kWh. You can charge overnight at 8cents a kWh in Sydney if you have the right plan. So basically 11km for 8 cents around town or about 3/4 of an Aussie cent per km ( half a penny). Meanwhile their cousins across the ditch in NZ are stuck with a 8.9c/km EV road user charge since the change of government. (RUC= $76/1000km + $13 recording fee). Needless to say EV sales have tanked in NZ.
Imagine The BYD seagull Only sold for €10,000 in china. The leapmotor T.03 is only sold for €8.000 in China. The Geely panda mini EV only sold for €5.000 in China.
It's a brand new car, you can't expect miracles...a second hand Corsa is years old before it gets to 10k...you have to be realistic - 16k is as cheap as you will ever see a new car.
I actually, really like this! I've got massive beef against the cubed, cumbersome and tank-like SUV's that are coming out - but small city cars have my heart. This is lovely this little thing.
Same here…
This looks pretty good and a lot less comprimised than the Spring.
It is a much more recent development (launched in 2020) vs. Spring from late 2000s (Renault Kwid).
Exactly what's required to reduce air pollution and make EVs affordable. Remarkable value, should do very well in UK.
This car T.03 only €8.000 in China
Not at £16k.
@@DavidPlayfair 16k is cheap, find cheaper
It's too expensive for what it is
@@xperyskop2475 it is one of the cheapest cars, regardless of propulsion, in the UK. Kia Picanto costs more in higher trims.
Thank you for one of the most interesting reviews I have seen this year.
I love the idea of a single spec which has all the options you are going to get. Presumably that helps keep it at the £16k price. I do not want one, but there is no doubt it could cover most of the journeys I take; and by the way I live in rural Worcestershire and not a city, so not just a city car (lazy journalese like “toddler” or “devastated”). If I want to do a long journey I can always hire something just for the occasion or the holiday or perhaps take somebody’s ICE. Good for Leapmotor and Stellantis.
This leapmotor T.03 only cost €8.000 in China
@@carkawalakhatulistiwa
Interesting, thank you. Presumably the UK and EU prices reflect tariffs coming in plus perhaps a bit of opportunistic pricing. This suggests Stellantis can cut prices further and still make money if competition here gets hotter.
This is a great little car! Who'd choose the Dacia Spring over this!? Better in virtually every respect compared to the Dacia.
I wonder why Stellantis didn't badge engineer this. They have a ton of brands and it may have allowed them to add an extra couple of quid to the price. New Peugeot iOn maybe so as not to steal e-C3 or Grande Panda sales?
Overall seems like a decent proposition for your average food delivery driver. Nice equipment levels too.
Exactly, this would have made a perfect new Panda, leaving the bigger new car more upmarket as a new Punto.
I‘m really glad it‘s being built in Europe, at least.
excellent review! Good copy (no clichées like "price point" instead of "price level"), relaxed presentation, comprehensive product analysis, fair results.
They have accidentally called it a "toe". T03... Looked like a TOE at a glance. Also could with black paint, but other than that, yea super happy to see more cheap EVs... Note to VW, look 4 switches for the windows 🤭
It looks like a Fiat 500 and the Renault Twingos cousin
To reinforce your point, I bought a Fiat 500e to replace my Twingo GT as both cars look very similar and have almost identical dimensions, which means they easily fit into a smallish garage.
@@briangriffiths114 we had a Twingo (which we loved) and replaced it with a CorsaE (wanted the rear doors for the kids). I did try to push for a 500 Abarth but the wife wasn’t sold on the pricing.
It's a Chinese car, of course it looks like something else.
Almost right, 51/100 of the brand is owned by Stellantis (also includes Fiat 500), the T03 and C10 SUV will be sold in 500 Stellantis dealerships in Europe.
Definitely has cute 70s Fiat Cinquecento vibes.
Great review Tom 👏
Piano black needs to meet the ash heap of history.
So Tesla can't afford to fit stalks on the 40K + model 3 but Leapmotor can at 16K🤔
Mercedes stalks at that too 🤣
Even if profits plateau for 2-4 qtrs, that spells disaster, apparatus
It's not about what Tesla can afford, they just remove unnecessary parts that are easily replaced by small buttons. Many owners find the adjustment easy, despite complaints from those who have never driven the vehicles. Have you driven a new Tesla without stalks?
@jamespaul2587 they regularly "innovate" to make the user experience worse and say to their customers "just get used to it". Doesn't stop it being worse though.
@@stephenballantyne have you driven a Tesla without stalks?
Actually, in China the price is almost half of the Eu price. I have one and i already used it almost 4 years (around 100,000km).
What is the actual range of this car in real life use?
@@driftinsider3392 280-300km in the daily use (85% charge, in Spring or Fall), different people have different results. on the high way, it will worse than the daily commute.
@@driftinsider3392 I'm guessing 40 miles
@@driftinsider3392the car is reading 6 miles per kWh on the dash in summer dry weather, so that equals over 200 miles! Assuming the real efficiency is lower, say 4 miles/kWh, that will still give a good 150 mile range without running the battery down to zero. Really impressive..
I hate the long-form advertisements that have suddenly appeared on UA-cam.
I love the concept of small cars. Super good for city driving, snippy, maneuverable, decent range, cute design, for 3 grand cheaper that would be a fantastic citycar. I might actually buy this one or similar. That should be super fun to drive around the town.
Mitsubishi (Peugeot and Citroen) were foolish to have ditched the iMiEV(iOn, CZero) so quickly.
A modern EV 2CV is sorely needed. The Ami had 3 years to prove itself to be an overpriced plastic tub on rusty steel square tubing.
I think they believe the e-C3 will fit into that niche. What I don't get is why they didn't just stick a Peugeot or Opel/Vauxhall badge on this. It's a no brainer marketing wise.
Sorry to ask but who actually wanted the iMiEV?
@@Whatshisname346I'm sorry, while I welcomed the eC3 as a trend towards affordable EVs, it's still a Crossover that's designed and promoted as such to get consumers of the Indian/South Asian, South American and other global markets into SUVs with the same affluent-baiting tactics they used in western markets, to promote Citroën as a mid-luxiry brand and frankly that flies in the face of Citroën's recent moves again the SUV with the Oli and Ami.
An original C3, C2, C1 and CZero would be decent to have. But of course pitted against minor profit margins being squeezed by the currency inflation created by the most profitable and well sold "cars" in recent years.
@@TheAllMightyGodofCodpeople who wanted EVs for good value today and those who wanted EVs 14 years ago but they were way too expensive to buy brand new, but after much leases ending many iMiEVs/CZeros are a hot commodity second hand not least because they're a joy to drive and almost free motoring, but their battery systems are better engineered and robust than Nissan's.
@@toyotaprius79 really? Are you sure?
Because either those are very few or...even those people don't want an iMiEV.....
Looks very Daewoo Matiz/Chevrolet Spark-esque doesn’t it 🤔
GM was characteristically beyond stupid for killing the Spark EV and only building the bare minimum amount. And the Volt, and Bolt.
@toyotaprius79 the Spark was a compliance car made in minimal quantity to allow them to sell gas guzzlers in California.
It looks like a Fiat 500 and SmartCar love child to me, which makes sense considering both have ties to Stellantis. All the Chinese do is copy others. Having them partner with Stellantis just made the IP theft more streamlined.
Thanks for the new info. I think it is good to have more choice in small EV's.
I think, it would be more interesting, to get more EV's in the 200-250 mls range, and faster 100kW charging.
This Leapmotor EV will be more in the Dacia range.
For us, we would happily give up the wiper for a sunroof. We always had a cabrio, or at least a sunroof.
"...more EVs in the 200-250 mls range..."
You're in luck then - Citroen e-C3... Renault 5... Renault 4... Tesla Model 2 (if it EVER sees light-of-day...!)
I can see a Renault Twingo in it. Am I the only one thinking this?
Nickname wise, call it Leapmotors Frog?
Ha ha 😀 exactly…
Looking at the screen shot at 10:55 it says 8.9 kwh for 100km which equates 6.7 miles per Kwh, which is still excellent but a bit more realistic. Yes it does seem to have a lot of smart four four about the the cut of it's jib. Rebadge it as a Fiat and it will sell well, as to name call it the EO (Far East in Italian is Estremo Oriente) . I agree with other commenters that the residuals will be dire, but you know the answer. Hang on to it for 10 years as it is automotive white goods; how long since you changed your washing machine ?
Yup, varies 6-7 looking at past journeys
No need to rebadge it, Fiat has the premium 500, this is much cheaper, Leapmotor will stand on its own, 4 four more cars coming until 2027 in Europe
@@etbadaboumyou can almost buy two leapmotors for the price of a 500, which tells you how absurd the price of the 500 was!
Lets hope the Stellantis get the pcp offers right. I got a £31k BYD Dolphin with all the bells and whistles, and an extra 100 miles range, for £289 deposit, £289 a month. The T03 is almost half the price, but i wouldnt be surprised if the pcp rates were the same higher. I just looked at a base Kia Picanto for comparison. £287 a month with £289 deposit on the same 8000 miles a year pcp... and that lists at 17k. Sticker price is great, but the finance deals need to be amazing too to get sales....
Imagine
The BYD seagull Only sold for €10,000 in china.
The leapmotor T.03 is only sold for €8.000 in China.
The Geely panda mini EV only sold for €5.000 in China.
Both this video, and the electrifying website review state 10 miles to the kwh, when the video clearly shows this is getting 10.4khw/100km, which is actually about 6m/kwh. He says he checked it twice, which makes this an even worse mistake.
That ninja blob looks straight out of the 'Among Us' video game 🤔
My first thought
Finally an affordable Chinese EV. We can sing its praises for this relatively new class of car as abysmal as that is. A class of vehicle that has developed in China for over a decade now.
Now we have to scrutinise, not the bare bones build, but the fact that Stellantis is importing a Chinese EV instead of developing one together. Extra brownie points for being a "Dumb" analogue EV and not one that harvests all of our data.
An entry level EV mechanically inspired by the Citroën 2CV suspension is the bare minimum of good expectations.
The Leapmotor Cutie.
Put a Fiat badge on the front, and 500 badge on the back, sorted.
It has got to compete against the MG4 which is now selling for sub £20,000.
Utter Shame that Fiat couldn't develop of Panda on to the new 500e platform. The fact that the Fiat 500e is built in Turin, gutted full with luxuries, built along side Maseratis, pretend that there's a parts supply construction when really they're creating false scarcity and then sell them at such an extortionate cost should really spell out the reality for people that EVs are not the problem.
But no, they lie that nobody wants them, shoot themselves in the foot, spin on it and say they're developing a 12-24v "MEH" mild hybrid fit for the 1980s 🤢🤮
This car T.03 only €8.000 in China
MG 4 get 38% tax
@@toyotaprius79China moves to cheap LFP batteries while fiat is stuck with lithium cobalt nickel batteries
16k is too much for what it is
Glad you mentioned that panel gap - can't take my eyes off it!
VW eUP vibes
This is the most exciting EV of the year for me. A proper small affordable electric car with decent features.
Last generation Smart Forfour was what I thought of straight away.
A good nickname for the T03 might be the "Tiny Tim".
We just got similar EV to Slovenia Dongfeng BOX, and we definitely need cheaper EVs like this 🤟🤟
It just doesn't look like it was designed for Europe, which will hamper sales. Even at that price I think most people would gravitate to the Dacia Spring.
The brand name isn't inspiring and neither is the model. The cheaper parts are glaringly obvious whereas the Spring is honest and durable.
Really probably should have given Stellantis the authority to do the branding and marketing.
"The Leapmotor Ninja" 😃
I wonder if this will be the real new price in the UK, especially after a year.
Used ones will probably be £10K after a year and possibly down to £5K after 3 years.
With an unknown brand it's always hard to tell, but thumbs up for bringing more choice to the UK.
This leapmotor T.03 only cost £6.500 in China
@@carkawalakhatulistiwa Import taxes, local tax, etc. etc.
This price is 20% better than ANY new cars available in the US. It looks a bit dorky, but not as much as a Nissan Versa, Sentra, or Leaf, in my view.
Would the US tariffs not increase the price a lot though?
I like it! 😍😍 Does the ACC stops the car and starts driving after another car in a red light? Thanks! 👏👏
Almost a dead ringer for my previous car, a Twingo 3 GT, which was built alongside its Smart ForFour sibling in Slovenia's Novo Mesto factory.
It's already got your name on it, just rotate the 3 90' to the left TOM !
How clever...!!
Great observation, dude... 😎
Nice EV. In my view the Inster thus far has the best overall value to date in the compact segment. I think the top spec for over 25000 euro is far too expensive, and I think.will cime to bite hyindai. I think if Hyundai could manage 20000 euros max fullynloaded for the top spec model they've got a winner in the compact segment. I think it is strange we have to choose compacts for inner city driving only. I still o2n a Toyota Aygo from 2005 and it's more than a city car. I've traveled to many places in Europe with it and it's even been on the steepest road in Switserland, and is still doing very well at 300000+ K odometer.
I think the T03 is still overpriced amd is going to have a tough time competing with the basic model of the Inster. I think T03 for 10000 euro is reasonable. For 15000 I expect more practicality with a moving and callapsable rear bench, like the Inster. Secondly I expect from the same price of 15000 euros that it also supports 22 Kwh AC charging and 11 Kwh basic charging, and perhaps a few more compforts such as AC standard heated steering wheel and seats and good lane assist and adaptive I cruise control as standard. I think these shouod be standard on every EV by default.
It's I interesting to hear that this is Stellantis' answer to an even more affordable EV. A sure desperate sign. I think the T03 could do better than Stellantis' current offering of EVs in th3 compact segment. Would have been nice if Stellantis put some quality flair into the T03. Then I could understand Stellantis' investment. I'm on the fence on the value of the T03.
From a quick Google, the Inster will likely start at E25,000 in the EU and £22,000 in the UK.
This TO3 is therefore WAY cheaper... so the £6,000 difference is well worth putting up with no split rear bench...!
@@jonathantaylor1998 exactly, it is full of people here talking about prices who have clearly no idea about how much car prices have increased. It is one of the cheapest cars in the UK, the Picanto is more expensive in most trims. Eventually there may be cheaper EVs, but the leapmotor is a massive price improvement.
It's got Fiat 500/Panda vibes and essence but in EV form, maybe even better than the actual Fiat 500/Panda that only carries the shell of their previous original.
Really cute EV! Let's call it "Terry"
I like this. Slightly ungainly but overall cute looks. For the price it drives very well, has fantastic spec and seems highly efficient. 10 mi/kWh? That would give it comfortably over 300 miles range in mixed driving…For £16k? Will await a proper UK test and a PROPER efficiency calculation. Chinese manufacturers are starting to get a bit of a reputation for over zealous efficiency claims. Rear wiper would make it complete!
I own a light green T03 and I call it my Leapfrog.
10.4 kWh/100km = 6 mi/kWh
Good, but not stellar for such a small car. Original Ioniq can get to that around town.
This car T.03 only €8.000 in China
Exactly that, I just spend a few minutes converting the figures showing on the screen and also couldn't find the 10miles/kWh. Not that 6 is bad, it absolutely isn't, but it's a way off 10
In China the top spec model is half the price, love to know the breakdown on extra costs.
stellantis profit of course! 😅
Shipping, distribution, import duty, tariffs, VAT and dealer margin add at least 40%.
if England got of their asses and made their own cheap electric car we would be getting somewhere
It’s okay, but I’d wait until next year when we see the MG2. Even then, would you buy one of these new compared to a one year old e208, Corsa E or even a nearly new MG4 standard?
From what I was told you'll be waiting a bit more than a year for the MG2, the car only got the greenlight in the last 12 months
Wait! A tiny car and you are criticizing the size of the rear storage. Who actually needs a rear wiper?!
He would trade the sunroof for a rear wiper 🙄
Strange things to moan about. I mean a wiper could be a bit annoying in winter, but that sunroof looks awesome.
Everyone in the UK!
@@ISuperTed No sun and all rain, isn't it?
No one needs one, the original mini never had one and we managed ok. We like the toys because it makes us feel like we did well, when a car like this will do most of what we need. I’d have to drive one, but it would do most of what I need a car for. Just rent a Tesla for the long trips once or twice a year.
Leapmotor “squirrel”
Nano is the name comes constantly to my head🤣
As a Chinese I hava one.. This car Sales are very good in China.
I'm in the market for a tiny EV, but the T03 is a no, too expensive and I really do not like the look of it. BYD Seagull looks more promising to me.
Seagull is more expensive
@@Drini666 The Seagull’s UK price hasn’t even been announced.
Looks like a fiat from the side
RHD T03s will never be produced in Poland apparently, they'll be imported from China indefinitely. Only LHD units will be produced in Poland.
Interestingly this has been out in China since at least 2020 (2019?) and when you look at those reviews the charge port cover had a top hinge and seemed far less flimsy. But they have improved the battery as it now has a similar one from CATL that Mercedes uses and capacity went from 36.5 to 37.3. It is of course water cooled.
With the ghostly moans maybe they should call this the Casper 👻
It reminds me of a Renault Twingo. It will do well in the second car market.
Thank you.
Well done for your optimism Tom.
Unfortunately I’m not really convinced by a car with a 3 year warranty from what is an unknown manufacturer. If it were £8k then the price point might be more tempting to some, but anymore than that and people will be always buying better, buying used.
Leapmotor exports they car because they are unable to compete in China.
Where new car prices fall by 2.5% every month due to price wars
The warranty is odd as it has 8 year 150k miles on the China model (which apprantely has been one of the top sellers over the past couple of years).
At least we are now at the point where you can potentially get a new electric runaraound for £15k and have to make a choice. I would like to see these base prices get even lower with a trade off of a bit less tech (but a rear wiper!).
Are these anti-dozing cameras purely built in because of NCAP regulations? Because the fact that driver personal data from newer cars is constantly being monetised is a serious concern and any EV that's as close to analogue as possible (like the eUP, Spring or CZero/iMiEV/iOn) should prove desireable in these uneasy times.
Nah that was available in China when first released
As of July 7th, 2024, all new cars sold in the European Union (EU) are required to be equipped with the following Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA): This system alerts the driver to speed limits using signage and digital maps, and can even limit the vehicle's speed to comply with the current limit.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): LKA helps keep the vehicle in its lane by adjusting steering and brakes if the vehicle drifts without signaling.
Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDR-AW): This system monitors driver behavior and alerts the driver if they are showing signs of fatigue or distraction.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB detects obstacles in the vehicle's path and activates braking to prevent or mitigate collisions.
Reversing Detection with Camera or Sensors: This system helps the driver avoid collisions when reversing.
@@Luca_Marcuzzi Also known as GSR II
What would happen if you put some gaffa tape over the camera? Constant warning light on dash? Would the insurance be valid? I've wondered about that in my current car with auto brakes, if I turn it off would they try and use that as a negative to avoid paying out.
@@timscott3027If you added gaffer tape, the car would bleep at you until you removed it.
I also vote for rear wiper instead of sunroof :)
Really? Id love a sunroof. The middle mirror is overrated anyway, cars have side mirrors.
They might also be able to stretch to CarPlay and Android Auto which I think are absolute essentials especially bearing in mind I guess this is an entry level car for young drivers.
T03...TOE...the Toe! As cute and small as a big TOE.
What does the Toe tow? Zero. Or maybe 3kg.
The ninja blob reminds me of Big Hero 6 from the animated kids movie of the same name. That must me Toey, the Toe's mascot.
Adaptive cruise is radar controlled, or just cameras?
Yes ‘Leap Frog’ would be appropriate! It certainly looks a bit like one! Not a ‘giant leap’ in any sense but I think there will be a demographic that gets it. It’s also sure to be a super cheap runaround both to purchase and to run in just a few years opening up EV mobility as an option for those with very shallow pockets. Also a foot in the door for cheap Chinese EVs and another nail in the coffin for legacy auto!
I’d call it Barry.
Until you mentioned Stellantis, I thought it was cheap takeoff of a fiat 500 and a Panda. Then you confirmed it!
Brave effort but presumably its purpose is to fill the gap vacated by the Fiat 500 as the next ICE generation (based on the 500e) moves upmarket in cost. If I was in the market for this kind of car I would wait for the European produced model which may have some updates - rear wiper, CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parcel shelf - to get the spec right. Removing the sunroof would no doubt save a few €. I can see this appealing to first time drivers - although some more adventurous/brighter colours and some graphics to disguise its parentage might help - and even some elderly drivers who don’t venture far from home and whose little bungalow garages were designed in the era of the Austin A35.
MG4 Standard Edition is better value. So much more car for not much more money.
Until UK tariffs hit Chinese EVs
The cheapest MG4 SE is £19,945.
I don't imagine someone looking at the £16k TO3 is going to be able to readily afford an additional £4,000...?
@@jonathantaylor1998 £4000 is like pocket money for UK people, is it not?
@@soltcolt4506you are joking right 😂
It feels odd watching a British man review a utilitarian Chinese car that had things gone differently, should be a BMC.
It'd be interesting to see the LCA climate emissions figures, CO2e. France was rightfully annoyed & suspicious about the higher production emissions of Chinese cars, but any car company can be guilty of not working hard to keep impact low.
Dacia spring looks a lot better. Plus got a spring on order 😅
Eh... I rather pass on the SUV mindeset
Eh... I rather pass on the SUV mindeset
This leapmotor T.03 only cost €8.000 in China
No mention on the battery management system though, the spring doesn’t have that
Why do cheap cars always look CRAP!
Why hasn't it been styled with a great looking front (eg slit eye lights to make it look modern instead of goggle eyes).
Side view is also pretty awful!
The stylists will have to work far harder to give the car Curb Appeal.
Instead, we're offered a Noddy & Bigears toy town car.
37,3 kW x 80% (nominalne)ładowanie = 29,84 kW mocy użytkowej.
Jeździmy do 20% pojemności baterii (zalecane), czyli do 7,46 kW, więc pojemność użytkowa na codzień = 22,38 kW realnie do dyspozycji.
Czyli 22,38 kW/15 kW/100 km =150 km jazdy i ładowanie, czyli codziennie.
Cena to nie wszystko.
When it launches in UK ?
Bought this car earlier this year. Chinese version cost me $13 000 in Uzbekistan.
Totally agree that this car deserves nickname I called mine Snoopy.
Looks kind of awful on the outside but really nice on the inside with good technology and safety systems. I know that Leapmotor's larger SUV is coming to Australia I wonder if they will bring this as well
That little figure…. It’s a “Barbapapa” 😮
I like the sound of the Leapmotor 500, euhh 501, since Fiat has the 500 😉
I have to emit I’ve driven through driving rain on the motorway and still never used my rear wiper.
Will it be sold in Australia?
Normal size EV?
Nice! Maybe more normal size cars in the future?
These sell for less than $10,000 USD in China.
Is the lower Chinese prices not partly due to the subsidies given to the manufacturers by the Chinese government?
I had a 207, megane grandtour, now clio grandtour and in past of 15 years i only used back wipper when i make reverse and he starts automatic.
Compelling price. Is the battery have active liquid cooling or just passive?
Is LFP Cheaper than MNC
The review on Fully Charged in China from a couple of years ago said it was liquid cooled at the price (not air cooled like some of it's rivals).
It is £16 K now .How much it will be in 10 years time?
If the UK price was about £10k they'd sell like hotcakes.
£16k is too much for a car of this size.
This car T.03, only £6.500 in China
@@carkawalakhatulistiwa Rip-off Britain, sadly.
Unfortunately not possible due to import duty, VAT, tariffs etc. Double the China price.
"£16k is too much for a car of this size."...?
On Autotrader, right now, £16k gets you discounted versions of the following brand new models:
Dacia Spring
(pre-facelift) Kia Picanto
Hyundai i10
Dacia Sandero
New car prices have absolutely sky-rocketed over recent years... I still remember when you get a VW Passat for £9,995...!!
If only the Smart ForFour EQ had better range as its identical but better looking.
I can't help but feel they have missed a trick here - do we really need all those monitoring safety systems in a car that's realistically destined for shorter/slower journeys. Surely, take another three grand of the price and ditch the extra safety stuff - now that would be a heck of a USP.
In a word - Euro NCAP... OK, 2 words...!
I'm sure it will be popular as a Euro hire car
You'll be able to pick up a 3 year example of one of these for around £5,000.
Yes, great isn't it. Perfect for students and the unemployed.
Or anyone who wants a small car?
I saw 8.9kWh/100km, 10.6 and 10.4. Was that that last 50ks, trip and total average consumption? That 8.9 is 7 miles/kWh. You can charge overnight at 8cents a kWh in Sydney if you have the right plan. So basically 11km for 8 cents around town or about 3/4 of an Aussie cent per km ( half a penny). Meanwhile their cousins across the ditch in NZ are stuck with a 8.9c/km EV road user charge since the change of government. (RUC= $76/1000km + $13 recording fee). Needless to say EV sales have tanked in NZ.
As it will be sold through Stellantis dealers, paint some whiskers around the charge flap and call it the ‘Topolino’. 😂
From the wrong side of the Atlantic, but thinking Gremlin for our version.
Is it a 4 or 5 seater (seatbelt wise)?
4 seats according to Stellantis press release
I like it, wish it would find it's way the the USA.
100% tariff！Hahahaha…😆
Those stalks are Mercedes, Tesla paid to use them.
Imagine
The BYD seagull Only sold for €10,000 in china.
The leapmotor T.03 is only sold for €8.000 in China.
The Geely panda mini EV only sold for €5.000 in China.
It's gotta be the Leapfrog...?
Not sure Tom's efficiency numbers are correct. Regardless. Decent city runabout/short range commuter. (probably not coming to the US)
If you could really get 10miles/kWh consistently around town and you charge at home you'd could paying 7p to go 10 miles
Shame it,s not being sold at 10k , hopefully be a good used buy.
It's a brand new car, you can't expect miracles...a second hand Corsa is years old before it gets to 10k...you have to be realistic - 16k is as cheap as you will ever see a new car.
Font end reminds me of the new London Cab LEV TX
That blob looks a bit like Barbapapa, if you old enough to remember that 😂😂😂